Caputa, SD Water Safety: 53/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Across water systems in Caputa, EPA data shows a below-average compliance pattern for SD — health-based violations are on file in several areas, and checking the specific system serving your address is a practical first step for concerned residents.
How Caputa Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Caputa Water: The Quick Version
- Homes built before 1986: 68% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $400 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 12.98 — above typical levels.
Water Systems Serving Caputa
At present, 2 utilities serve the bulk of Caputa, SD's residential water connections out of 2 systems active in the area, spread across independent providers with separate infrastructure and compliance obligations.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Caputa, South Dakota (population ~136), covering 2 community water systems serving approximately 1,171 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Caputa — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Caputa: D (53/100)
The score combines three factors:
| Factor | What It Measures |
|---|---|
| Water Quality | EPA violations and compliance history |
| Lead Levels | 90th percentile lead concentration vs EPA action level |
| Radon Risk | EPA radon zone classification |
Water Sources
Caputa water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Caputa
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 2 (Moderate Risk)
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 57725 | D | Southern Black Hills Water | 492 |
All ZIP Codes in Caputa
- 57725 [D]
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Lead/copper: EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data
- Radon: EPA Map of Radon Zones
Updated daily.
CDC Health Data for Caputa
Source: CDC PLACES (County-level estimates). Water contamination can correlate with respiratory and chronic health conditions.
Compared to National Average
Vertical line = national average. ■ Above national · ■ Below national
How Old Is Caputa's Housing Stock?
With 68% of homes built before 1986, lead solder in plumbing is a potential concern. The EPA banned lead solder in 1986, but many older homes retain original plumbing.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).
Housing Age Profile
Heavily weighted toward older construction, Caputa's housing stock carries a median build year of 1977. That profile puts a majority of homes in the era when lead-soldered copper plumbing was standard practice.
Over half of homes in Caputa were built before 1986, when lead solder was banned. Older plumbing may leach lead into drinking water, especially with corrosive water chemistry.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.
Caputa: Remediation Cost in Perspective
In Caputa, the equity impact of remediation is proportionally small — not the kind of financial commitment that rises to the level of a genuine planning constraint, but a minor share of what most properties here are worth.
Remediation costs in Caputa are relatively low compared to home values. The $0–$800 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 57% above the South Dakota average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Caputa
Why children are most at risk: The CDC states there is no safe level of lead exposure for children. Children under 6 absorb lead more readily than adults, and even low levels can cause developmental delays, learning difficulties, and behavioral problems.
After the federal action removing lead-bearing solder from new plumbing took effect, building practice shifted — but 68% of the Caputa inventory predates that line. With aggregate samples near or beyond 0.015 mg/L, an in-home check moves out of the optional column into the standard list.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Caputa
- Test your water at home. City-level data shows averages — your tap may differ. NSF-certified test kits cost $20-40 and give results in days.
- Install a certified water filter. An NSF-certified pitcher or under-sink filter removes most common contaminants.
- Check your home's plumbing. With 68% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
- Review your water system's CCR. Your utility publishes an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results. Request it or find it online.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Caputa, SD